Just one month after being cast to play the title character in the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey adaptation, Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam has exited the film, EW reports.

“The filmmakers of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam’s immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey,” the studio behind the film said in a statement.

Meanwhile, 50 Shades of Grey author E.L James took to Twitter to react to Hunnam’s departure. “I wish Charlie all the best,” wrote James.

Hunnam’s casting was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some said the actor was a perfect fit for the role, others argued he was miscast.

Now, the debate about who should play Grey heats up again.

While many fans rallied to get White Collar star Matt Bomer to replace Hunnam in the film shortly after the casting news broke out, the actor was reportedly never even in the running, according to a friend of James. Meanwhile, another report claimed that Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder — a fan favorite for the part — was also not a contender.

Now that Hunnam is out though, it may be time to revisit those names (along with plenty of others).

So, who should play Christian Grey opposite Dakota Johnson’s Anastasia Steele? We want to hear from you. Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Julie – where did you get that info? I saw Ian on a late night show & he said he was in the running & really wanted the part. When asked who should play the lead female, he wouldn’t answer; he just laughed.
Also, does anyone know why Charlie decided to exit?
Alexander Skarsgard – maybe 10 years ago but obviously we don’t find the same men sexy. 😉

Ian won’t fo it without his wife playing Ana. You have to choose someone not afraid of nudity and intimate scenes. Alex Skarsgard would be perfection! Even if he’s older. In the book CG looks young but only during certain moments. I’m sure he actually usually looks older most of the time due to his before adoption life. That impacts how serious and mature with that certain look that people who experience life like that have.

I am a huge fan of the books but I don’t think the movie will be as successful…. how can the movie really capture the physical nature of the characters and still maintain an “R” rating? Regardless of who they cast, I think the die hard “fifty shades” fans will be disappointed.

Definitely NOT Robert Pattinson. Boring actor. Yea he has this brooding mannerism but, Christian Grey character needs a special actor which honestly I have some in minds but cannot remember the names of the actors.

There is one and only Christian Grey. M A T T B O M E R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!